I don’t even know where to start with creating a budget for my event! What do I do?

Most people first call me knowing the type of event they want and possibly the theme they would like, and that’s it, so don’t feel badly at all!

With such a large range of pricing for each vendor, it can be difficult to even know where to start. For example, a photographer can range from $400 for an event to $9000+ for an event, a HUGE range! Some florists won’t even work with clients who have a budget less than $10,000. That’s why working with a seasoned event planner can be so helpful. And even there, it can be confusing because some planners who are just looking for the experience may charge $500 for an event while others with years of experience may charge $5,000+ for an event, and anywhere in between.

So what do you do?

Besides looking at their work, I really like to speak to each vendor and get a feel for what it would be like to work with them. How responsive are they? Do they treat me like a number or like someone they really care about? What do others have to say about their time working with that specific vendor?

I would recommend figuring out your venue costs first, either with or without a planner, since that will probably be your biggest cost. After finalizing that cost, consider how much you have to spend on the other pieces to the puzzle of an amazing event and prioritize your most important to your least important.

Amanda Hudes is the Founder of Smiling Through Chaos event planning. Through her business, Amanda helps to relieve busy women from the stress that can come along with coordinating weddings and other major lifetime events. She also helps them to look and feel their best in the process through relaxation techniques, exercise guidance, health consultations, and fashion styling. Smiling Through Chaos offers everything needed for an amazing event and a big smile on your face.

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